KTM 390 Duke launched in India at a shocking price.. but is it really a game changer?
A few years back (prior to 2007 to be precise) if someone told you that a motorcycle under the hallowed KTM Marque will be officially available in India for sale, chances of you becoming the laughing stock were very real.
Only if KTM could launch a Moto 3 inspired model or an Adventure Tourer inspired model in India..
Now imagine even thinking that a KTM model under the “Duke” family, producing a peak power of 43.5 Ps, Kerb weight of 154 Kgs, Metzeler Tyres, with ABS as standard (and with upside down forks, Liquid cooled, fuel injected engine… i.e the usual Duke goodies) would be selling in India at less than 50% of its price in Europe..!! Crazy thought right?
Yes sir, KTM (Bajaj) has shocked the motorcycle market by launching the 390 Duke at an ex-showroom (Delhi) price tag of Rs. 1.8 Lakhs. For the record, the current nearest competitor (in India) to the 390 Duke in terms of pricing, the Honda CBR250R makes just 26 Ps of power, weighs heavier and is a couple of thousands dearer (the ABS variant).
But is the KTM 390 Duke the proverbial “Game Changer” ?